Arthritis

While it is difficult to know for sure if your joint pain is due to arthritis or not, based on the symptoms, there are certain signs that usually indicate you should consult a doctor. The four key signs include:

• Pain: Pain from arthritis can be constant or may come and go. It can occur at rest or while moving and may affect one part of the body or multiple areas.
• Swelling: Some types of arthritis cause the skin over the affected joint to become red and swollen, feeling warm to the touch. Swelling that lasts for three days or longer or occurs more than three times a month should prompt a visit to the doctor.
• Stiffness: This is a classic symptom of arthritis, particularly upon waking in the morning or after prolonged sitting, such as at a desk or in a car. Morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour is a significant indicator of arthritis.
• Difficulty in mobility: If you find it hard or painful to get up from your favorite chair, or after sitting in a single position for an extended period, this could be a warning sign of arthritis.

There are different causes depending on the type of arthritis. The most common types are:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. The primary symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, resulting in the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. It typically results in warm, swollen, and painful joints.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints. It is characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint, due to persistently elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16. This type can lead to serious complications, such as growth problems, joint damage, and eye inflammation.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of chronic arthritis that causes inflammation in certain parts of the spine, leading to pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity.
• Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune form of arthritis that causes joint inflammation and occurs alongside the skin condition psoriasis, which leads to red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails.
• Reactive arthritis: Reactive arthritis is characterized by pain or swelling in a joint caused by an infection in the body. It leads to extremely painful, swollen joints, and the affected individual often feels very tired.
• Septic arthritis: Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is usually caused by bacteria but can also result from a virus or fungus. This type typically causes extreme discomfort and difficulty in the affected joint, which may be swollen, red, and warm, and is often accompanied by a fever.

• Being overweight or obese exerts more stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
• Trauma or injuries to joints.
• Habits of repetitive knee bending and squatting.
• Smoking increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
• Bacterial and viral infections can infect joints and lead to the development of certain types of arthritis.
• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while most individuals with gout, another type of arthritis, are men.
• Genetic and hereditary factors.

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The doctor diagnoses arthritis on the basis of:

• Physical examination: Based on the symptoms, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the joints for pain and swelling of the affected areas.
• Laboratory tests: Fluids commonly analyzed include blood, urine, and joint fluid.
• Imaging tests: Imaging scans such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans are commonly used to assess the extent of damage to joints.
• Arthroscopy: This procedure involves inserting a small, flexible tube called an arthroscope through an incision near the joint. The arthroscope transmits images from inside the joint to a video screen.

Some of the common ways to prevent arthritis include:

• Strengthen joints with easy exercises.
• Warm-up before any physical activity.
• Consume calcium every day.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Add exercise to your routine to increase strength and muscle tone.
• Engage in moderate activity at least 5 times a week.

1. Medications

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to treat pain and inflammation and decrease joint damage. Examples include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
• Steroids are prescribed to manage arthritis symptoms, primarily pain and inflammation. They also help improve the range of motion. Common steroids include prednisolone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone.
• DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, particularly in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Commonly used conventional DMARDs include methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine.

2. Surgery

• Synovectomy, the removal of the damaged joint lining, is recommended in cases of severe inflammation of the synovial fluid that causes arthritis.
• Joint replacement therapy involves surgically removing parts of an arthritic or damaged joint and replacing them with a prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

3. Physiotherapy

• Physiotherapy is advised to maintain joint suppleness and flexibility. Exercise strengthens the muscles around the affected joint and helps prevent further damage. Options include stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, and low-impact aerobic activities such as walking and cycling.

Using hot-water bags

Hot water bags or electric heating bags can be used to provide temporary relief from joint pain and swelling on a daily basis.

Losing weight

Being overweight can increase complications of arthritis and contribute to arthritis pain. Make gradual and permanent lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, practicing portion control, avoiding deep-fried foods, and following an exercise regimen.

Exercising

It may seem contradictory to suggest exercise when experiencing arthritis pain, but research has shown that exercise helps warm up the fluid in our joints and prevents it from thickening. There are three types of exercises essential for healthy joints and for people with arthritis:

• Flexibility exercises

These exercises aim to improve the range of motion, enhancing the ability to move your joints through their full potential. Flexibility exercises include gentle stretching and movements that take joints through their full span. Performing these exercises regularly, ideally every day, can help maintain and even improve joint flexibility.

• Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises strengthen your heart and improve lung efficiency. They enhance stamina, reduce fatigue, and help maintain a healthy weight.

• Brisk walking: This is one of the best bone-strengthening aerobic activities. Aim for a 30-minute brisk walking session at least five days a week, starting with three 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
• Swimming: If you don’t know how to swim, consider enrolling in a local swimming club. Swimming strengthens the hips, knees, shoulders, and chest with minimal impact on the joints. A 30-minute swimming session five days a week is highly beneficial.
• Cycling: Cycling engages the hips and knees through their range of motion, strengthening the thigh and calf muscles, which support essential joints. Aim for a 30-minute ride five or more days each week.

• Strength Training Exercises

Strengthening exercises help maintain and improve muscle strength. Strong muscles support and protect joints, thereby preventing and alleviating arthritis.

• Chair sit: Sit on a stable chair. Slowly rise using your legs and hips. Use elbow rests for support if needed. Stand up straight and sit back down. Perform 20 repetitions at any time throughout the day. This movement strengthens the hips, knees, and feet.
• Leg raises: Lie on your back with hands at your sides, palms down. Slowly raise one leg using abdominal muscles while keeping both legs straight. Repeat on both sides for 10 repetitions each. This exercise strengthens core muscles that support the spine.
• Knee rolls: Lie on your back with hands at your sides and knees bent so that feet touch the ground. Inhale and slowly lower both knees towards the ground on the right side. Hold for five seconds and return to the starting position. Repeat 20 times on both sides. This exercise relieves stiffness in the hips and abdominal muscles.

Massaging

Experts suggest that regular massage can help reduce pain associated with arthritis. Consult a massage therapist to learn techniques you can perform yourself, or see a masseuse regularly. Massaging with extra virgin olive oil is particularly beneficial for relieving joint pain.

Other Daily Tips

Here are essential tips on how to care for your joints daily:

• When using a chair: Avoid using your wrists or knuckles when getting up. Instead, use your forearms to push up from the chair, distributing weight evenly and preventing undue stress on joints. Lean forward with your hands around your knees to stand up using your leg muscles.
• When carrying a bag: Avoid carrying excessive weight to prevent straining your shoulders and fingers. Carry your bag on your shoulder if it is not too heavy.
• When reading a book: Avoid resting your face on your elbows or wrists while reading. Use a book rest to reduce strain on your elbows, knuckles, wrists, and neck.
• When opening a jar: Avoid straining your thumb by holding the lid with your fingers. Use both hands to grip the jar and screw open towards the thumb. Hold the lid with both hands on a non-slip mat or damp cloth after opening.
• When holding a cup: Use both hands to hold a lightweight cup or mug, and choose cups with larger handles.
• When carrying dishes: Avoid carrying dishes in one hand to prevent strain. Use both hands or a trolley to carry dishes.
• When lifting heavy objects: Avoid bending forward. Instead, bend your knees, distribute weight equally on both feet, hold the object close to your body, and then lift.

Tips to Keep in Mind

For those suffering from arthritis or joint pain, high-impact exercises should be avoided. Wear proper clothing and footwear when exercising. Rest is as important as exercise; insufficient rest may lead to injury. It is advisable to seek expert supervision when working out with heavy equipment. Patients with heart conditions or other chronic health issues should consult a doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

Arthritis can lead to several severe health complications that may affect other parts and organs of your body. Arthritis is a complex disorder, and it is sometimes hard to treat effectively. Some of the complications you may encounter with arthritis include:

• Trouble sleeping: Stiff and painful joints make it difficult to sleep.
• Mobility issues: Arthritis can hamper mobility, making it painful to move out of bed and perform daily activities.
• Weight gain: Arthritis affects your ability to stay active, which can lead to weight gain.
• Anxiety and depression: Chronic pain and limited mobility can take a toll on your mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.

• Turmeric (Haldi): Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce arthritis pain, especially in rheumatoid arthritis. It also acts as an antioxidant.
  Tip: Mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm milk and drink it.
• Ginger (Adrak): Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain. It can be consumed in powder or raw form.
  Tip: Prepare a mixture of raw, crushed ginger, black pepper powder, and honey, and take one teaspoon of it daily.
• Epsom salt (Sendha namak): Epsom salt consists of magnesium sulfate, which has been used historically to relieve pain.
  Tip: Soak in bath water mixed with Epsom salt or take it orally by mixing Epsom salt with equal amounts of lemon juice in warm water and consuming 2 teaspoons daily.
• Cinnamon (Dalchini): Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis pain.
  Tip: Add more cinnamon to food or consume crushed cinnamon powder mixed with honey and warm water.
• Magnesium-rich foods: Magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy muscles, bones, and heart, and for relieving stress and pain. It is important for arthritis patients to get enough magnesium from food. Examples include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, legumes, and nuts.
  Tip: Consider taking magnesium supplements and rubbing magnesium oil on the joints.

Arthritis can be a constant source of agony for the patient. Being in chronic pain can affect the quality of life. Efforts to make some lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of getting arthritis or worsening existing arthritis. Key strategies include:

• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding both underuse and overuse of joints

The aim of arthritis treatment is to:

• Reduce pain
• Minimize joint damage
• Enhance or support function

In addition to treatment, being physically active can also:

• Reduce aches and pains
• Improve function
• Enhance overall health of arthritis patients

Physical activity can also help in reducing the risk of developing or managing other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Staying active and adjusting activity levels according to the severity of symptoms can significantly benefit patients.